Eczema is any type of non-contagious rash caused by skin inflammation. Breast eczema is eczema on any part of the breasts but is most often found around the nipples or on the lower part of the breasts. Breastfeeding women are more prone to this condition than other women. Cancer also can cause breast rashes in rare cases, so any mysterious breast marks should always be checked out by a doctor. Most of the time, however, breast eczema may cause painful itching and swelling but is not life-threatening.

Women who are breastfeeding new babies can get eczema around their nipples as a result of the inflammation caused by the baby suckling multiple times a day. Women who work out a lot and do not wear a proper sports bra also may be prone to breast eczema caused by sweat that gets trapped between the bra and the skin or in between the breasts. Typical symptoms of this condition include a red and flaky rash, itching, swelling and rough skin.

Skin hydration can be a good treatment for breast eczema. A doctor may recommend an over-the-counter lotion that can be used to ease the itching and pain. Prescription anti-inflammatory creams are sometimes prescribed for severe cases. Special ointments also can be ordered by a doctor to help nursing moms deal with eczema around the nipples. Petroleum jelly works as a good skin soother until a woman can get the doctor for evaluation.

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Nursing women can prevent eczema of the breast area by alternating which breast the baby feeds from and by taking care of the nipples when bathing by washing them very gently. Women who have breast eczema and are not nursing need to make basic daily living changes to avoid getting breast rashes in the future. Bras should be washed often and changed frequently. Sweat-soaked sports bras should be removed as soon as possible after a workout.

Women with sensitive skin should be careful about what products they use. White, scentless soap is recommended over a scented soap for women who may be prone to eczema. Using clear and scentless laundry detergents also can help women to avoid skin irritation that can lead to eczema. When breast eczema symptoms are flaring, women should avoid scratching and instead apply ice packs or cool compresses to the skin. Suffers of eczema in the breast area also should stick to wearing cotton shirts and should stay away from wool sweaters that can cause extra irritation.

Discuss this Article

indigomothPost 3

My friend had eczema when she was breast feeding, along with cracked nipples and she said it was the most painful thing she'd ever experienced, including the birth.

I think what made it worse was the rash allowed her to get an infection, so she had to deal with that on top of everything else. She said she honestly thought she was dying, as she developed a fever and everything.

Luckily her mother showed up and got her to the doctor. A few courses of antibiotics and she felt much better, but she was careful not to let the rash get away from her again after that.

When my mother went into menopause she often complained to me that she has developed a rash on her breasts. I'm not sure if it was because of the menopause itself, or if her immune system was just not working properly.

I know a couple of times she developed quite nasty looking boils as well, which made her feel terribly ashamed. I think women can feel more personal about their breasts than other areas of their bodies, since they are supposed to be such a symbol of femininity.

But, I don't think anyone should feel embarrassed by natural changes in the body.

I know when I hit puberty and suddenly had a whole extra couple of parts of my body to look after I often didn't wash them properly and ended up with eczema on my breasts.

It's embarrassing to talk about it now, but I was only a kid and I didn't realize that you really had to thoroughly wash them underneath. It didn't help that I developed quite early and was often wearing heavy clothes and too-small bras to hide them, which made the whole thing worse.

I ended up with quite a painful rash, and my mother finally realized what was going on and showed me how to take care of them properly, and how to stop worrying about them in general.

I hadn't realized it, but if anything the other girls in the class were a bit envious that I developed early, and the rest of them soon caught up.

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